Deep in the rainforest, high in the trees a crystalline paradise waits for thee

Geology / History

Tanzanite is the blue/purple variety of the mineral Zoisite (a calcium aluminium hydroxyl Sorosilicate) belonging to the epidote group. Discovered in the Mererani Hills of Manyara Region in Northern Tanzania in 1967 near the city of Arusha and Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzanite is a highly prized gemstone. Naturally formed tanzanite is extremely rare & still found only in the Mererani Hills.

Tanzanite is noted for its remarkably strong trichroism, appearing alternately sapphire blue, violet & burgundy depending on crystal orientation. Tanzanite can also appear differently when viewed under alternate lighting conditions. The blues appear more evident when subjected to fluorescent light & the violet hues can be seen readily when viewed under incandescent light.

The mineral was named by Tiffany & Co. after the country in which it was discovered. In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association chose Tanzanite as a December birthstone, the first change to their birthstone list since 1912.